8 reasons for not drinking water

A survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics* revealed that only 87 percent of Australians drank water on the day surveyed; with females aged 31-70 averaging just over a litre of water a day. So, according to the survey even if you are drinking water, chances are, you’re not drinking enough.

I hear lots of ‘reasons’ people have for not drinking water, so I thought I’d share eight of them and offer some solutions.

1. It tastes terrible

If you don’t like tap water buy a water filter, filtered water has no real smell or taste. If that still doesn’t appeal, try adding a wedge of lemon or lime.

2. I pee too much

When we urinate we eliminate toxins out of our body and that’s a good thing. If your urine is dark yellow or has an odour it a sign you need to drink more water.

3. I forget

Place a glass of water on the bench and every time you walk into the kitchen, drink it and refill. Always take a bottle of water with you when you go out and if you still have trouble remembering, search ‘Drinking Water’ in the App Store and download an app to remind you.

4. I’m not thirsty

Once you feel thirsty you’re already dehydrated. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger so, if you think you’re hungry, drink a glass of water then wait ten minutes and see if you’re still hungry.

5. I don’t like cold drinks

Drink water at any temperature you like. Warm water with a slice of lemon or herbal teas count towards your eight glasses a day.

6. I need caffeine or sugar to pep me up

Really? Next time you’re yawning in the afternoon reach for a glass of water – yawning is a sign of dehydration.

7. Water bloats me

If you drink a lot of water at once it may temporarily bloat you, so sip slowly rather than guzzling it down. Bloating for longer periods of time is more likely to be related to something else, if symptoms persist seek medical advice.

8. I retain fluid

If you retain fluid it’s better to increase your water intake not reduce it and, ironically, dehydration can be one of the causes of fluid retention.

To wrap it up

As you can see the ‘reasons’ are really excuses and there’s a solution for every one of the objections. Our body is made up of around 60 percent water so it’s important to drink up.

If you’re consuming less than the recommended two litres a day, start adding an extra glass a day this week, then next week add another glass each day, and so-forth until you’re drinking your quota.

There’s lots of benefits to staying hydrated and these include: better energy levels and brain function, clearer skin, improved immunity, less headaches, improved bowel function, increased metabolism and lastly it can help with weight loss largely due to point 4 above.